Introduction

Zambia, formerly Northern Rhodesia, gained its independence from the UK in October 1964. This strangely shaped country is one of Africa's most eccentric legacies of colonialism. Its borders do not correspond to any single or complete tribal or linguistic area, nor to the boundaries of any organized society which existed here prior to the arrival of the Europeans. It is one of the most fascinating countries in Africa. Zambia's economy has experienced modest growth in recent years, and a bumper harvest in 2007 helped to boost agricultural exports and contain inflation. Although poverty continues to be significant problem in Zambia, its economy has recently strengthened, featuring single-digit inflation, a relatively stable currency, decreasing interest rates, and increasing levels of trade.

Geographical Location

Zambia, in Southern Africa, faces Zaire and Tanzania to the north; Malawi to the east; Mozambique to the southeast; Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to the south; and Angola to the west. With a total area slightly larger than Texas, most of Zambia is high plateau with some hills and mountains.

Climate

Although lying within the tropics, much of Zambia enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate because of the high elevation. There are three distinct seasons: cool and dry from May to August; hot and dry from September to October; and rainy between November and April.

Population

Estimated population in July 2009 was 11,862,740. Of these, 1.1 million (2007 est.) have HIV/AIDS. The population growth rate is 1.631% with 40.24 births per 1000 and 21.34 deaths per 1000. Close to 99.5% of the people of Zambia are African, and about .5% are European, Asian or American. The Africans belong to some 73 ethnic groups. There are seven major groups who have lived in the country for centuries: Tonga, Ila, Matabele, Lozi, Luvale, Lunda and the Bemba.

Languages

English is the official and administrative language; it is more common in urban areas than in rural areas. More than 70 indigenous languages are spoken in Zambia. Other major ones are Bemba 30.1% (official), Nyanja 10.7% (official), Tonga 10.6% (official), Lozi 5.7% (official), Chewa 4.9%, Nsenga 3.4%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda 2.2% (official), Kaonde 2% (official), Lala 2%, Luvale 1.7% (official), English 1.7% (official), other 22.5%. 80.6% of the population age 15 and over can read and write English.

Religion

Many Zambians adhere to a combination of two or more religions or belief systems. The proportion of the population practicing Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, and indigenous beliefs 1%.